THE seaside boasted more cartoon characters than a Disney convention as Clacton Carnival rolled into town.

Carnival floats paraded along the seafront on Saturday, with hundreds of revellers dressed as characters from hit films and cartoon series, including Finding Nemo and the Wacky Races.

Superheroes rubbed shoulders with Tom and Jerry and Shrek during the cartoon-themed parade.

Clacton and Tendring Shopmobility converted its buggies into Flintstone buggies, while Alice Parker, 15, was a real-life Alice in Wonderland on the Youth Theatre Supporters’ float.

They were joined by majorettes, bands and carnival queens from across the county – led by Clacton’s own Layna Sack, 18, and princesses Megan Bush, 12, and Amy Miller, 15.

The parade kicked off the week-long carnival spectacular – the biggest event in the town’s calendar. The event raises thousands of pounds for good causes. This year’s main charity is Talk Wood Recycling, which provides work for people with mental health problems. Almost £5,100 was donated by the watching masses.

Carnival spokesman Nicky Freeman was delighted with the warm weather. She said: “The most important thing about today is the sun.

“The past two years we had wind and rain, but this is just brilliant. It starts the week off with everyone in good spirits.”

The credit crunch meant the number of floats was down this year.

But Nicky said: “Those that are here are superb – a lot of time and effort has gone into them.”

Yesterday’s Sunday Spectacular featured an afternoon of live music headlined by Prince tribute band Purple Rain.

Other carnival week events include a donkey derby, sandcastle competition, egg-throwing contest, a huge fete and fireworks display, fancy dress contest and a quiz night.

For further details of times and locations of the week’s events, visit www.clacton carnival.org.uk Buy your Gazette pictures - on the internet: www.echo-news.co.uk/photosales - on the phone: 01268 469336 (calls charged at local rates)